Ashley Lechman

Digital Editor

South Africa's unemployment rate rises to 33. 2% in second quarter

Ashley Lechman|Published

Amid rising unemployment levels and a fluctuating job market, South Africa faces a pivotal moment. Discover how sector trends and regional disparities are shaping ...

Murendeni Nefale: rewriting South Africa’s literacy narrative with purpose and power

Ashley Lechman|Published

Chosen Epics, is a youth-led storytelling and literacy venture.

Fuel price rollercoaster continues to impact South African households

Ashley Lechman|Published

While petrol prices drop by 28 cents in August, the sharp increase in diesel costs threatens to worsen South Africa's economic strain. Experts warn that these mixed ...

Lula sees 'green shoots' for SMEs in South Africa

Ashley Lechman|Published

Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, employing up to 60% of the private sector workforce and generating approximately 40% of the country's ...

Ex-employees still have access? The hidden cyber threat nobody talks about

Ashley Lechman|Published

The rise of the “shadow employee”: When ex-employees still have access.

KPMG appoints new CEO for South Africa to lead the business in 2026 and beyond

Ashley Lechman|Published

Joelene Pierce to take up the reins as CEO from 1 March 2026.

Squirrel Away: the South African fintech app turning gifting into investment

Ashley Lechman|Published

Squirrel Away, a first-of-its-kind platform in the local market, offers a simple yet powerful alternative to traditional gifting: instead of toys or gift cards, ...

SA Reserve Bank rate cut offers relief to consumers

Ashley Lechman|Published

This means the repo rate will decrease from 7. 25% to 7%, effectively taking the prime lending rate to the country to 10. 50% from 10. 75%.

SA Reserve Bank cuts interest rates

Ashley Lechman|Published

The central bank's Monetory Policy Committee (MPC) voted to cut the repurchase rate (repo rate) by 25 basis points (BPS), Sarb Governor Governor Lesetja Kganyago ...

Household affordability index reveals slight food price decline amid ongoing struggles

Ashley Lechman|Published

Discover the latest trends from the Household Affordability Index, revealing a slight drop in food prices for July 2025, yet highlighting significant affordability ...

Young South Africans are turning to entrepreneurship as youth unemployment soars

Ashley Lechman|Published

In the face of an unemployment crisis, young South Africans are taking matters into their own hands. Discover how a wave of youth-led startups is transforming ideas ...

Once Upon a Brew: the tale of a beer turned whisky

Ashley Lechman|Published

Darling Brew announced it has launched Reminisce, a limited-edition 5-year-old malt whisky distilled entirely from beer, and the first of its kind in South Africa. ...

Takealot and Pick n Pay expand pickup points as convenience drives online shopping

Ashley Lechman|Published

Between February and May of this year, collections at Takealot Pickup Points based in Pick n Pay stores have doubled.

Citrus and Wine industries plead with Ramaphosa for protection from looming tariffs

Ashley Lechman|Published

On Monday, the wine industry said that South Africans should double down on supporting the local wine industry to offset the 30% tariffs that the United States government ...

Tomatoes with purpose: Tiger Brands boosts Limpopo farmers behind iconic All Gold Sauce

Ashley Lechman|Published

As Tiger Brands invests in vital infrastructure for smallholder farmers, the initiative promises not only to alleviate immediate agricultural challenges but also ...

Maca Scents: How a husband-and-wife duo is redefining affordable luxury in fragrance

Ashley Lechman|Published

Maca Scents is rooted in an inspiring entrepreneurial journey, a clear sense of purpose, and a deep understanding of what customers really want from their scent ...

From shack to sprinting glory: Bayanda Walaza’s rise as the world’s fastest teenager

Ashley Lechman|Published

South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza Went from Struggling Student to Sprinting Star.

Luno launches tokenised blue-chip US stocks for South Africans

Ashley Lechman|Published

Luno is reshaping the investment landscape for South Africans by launching tokenised blue-chip US stocks, enabling affordable and hassle-free access to global markets. ...

Pick n Pay and FNB revolutionise customer rewards with Burger Friday

Ashley Lechman|Published

It's more than just a burger; it's a weekly ritual. Discover how Pick n Pay and FNB are changing family meals with a groundbreaking loyalty programme that makes ...

New WhatsApp platform empowers South Africans to tackle electricity and digital divide challenges

Ashley Lechman|Published

As millions of South Africans continue to face challenges with both electricity access and digital services, the new Prepaid24 – Transact WhatsApp channel responds ...

Volkswagen recalls 253 Polo sedans over seat belt safety issue

Ashley Lechman|Published

In a significant move, the NCC warns owners of affected VW Polo Sedans to take immediate action and have their seat belts inspected. With potentially life-threatening ...

South African SMEs brace for impact as Trump tariffs loom

Ashley Lechman|Published

With the looming threat of US tariffs on South African exports, SMEs face an uncertain future. Explore the ripple effects of these economic changes and how businesses ...

All Eyes on SA Reserve Bank: What to expect from July’s MPC meeting

Ashley Lechman|Published

If the MPC bases its decision purely on data, the country could enjoy a rate cut, however, many other factors are at play which could see interest rates remaining ...

You can now earn UCount rewards from Petshop Science stores

Ashley Lechman|Published

Petshop Science is also available on Sixty60, so customers can earn UCount Rewards when buying pet essentials via the app and enjoy same-day delivery in precise ...

Get your favourite toys delivered in just 60 minutes with Toy Kingdom and Mr D

Ashley Lechman|Published

Experience the magic of timely toy delivery just in time for festive celebrations or spontaneous gifting moments, as South Africans can now enjoy unparalleled convenience ...